How to help a child with ADHD

It's ADHD Awareness Month! Around 5% of children in the UK have ADHD- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Find out how to help a child with ADHD or spot the signs below. 

What is ADHD in children, and is ADHD a mental illness?

ADHD is not a mental illness. It is a condition that affects attention, concentration, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Those diagnosed will have ADHD for life. 

What are the symptoms of ADHD in children?

The symptoms and traits of ADHD include:

• difficulty staying focussed on playing or school work
• inability to listen
• difficulty organising themselves or tasks
• easily distracted 
• losing things
• inability to finish things 
• wants to avoid things that involve mental effort, e.g. homework
• makes careless mistakes.

You may also find your child is fidgety, talks excessively, and is always keen to be moving around. They might also find taking turns difficult and interrupt sometimes. 

'I think my child has ADHD'

If you suspect your child might have ADHD, your first step should be to contact your GP. You could also contact your child's school and ask to speak to the SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator).

While your GP is unable to diagnose ADHD, they can discuss your child's symptoms with you and refer you on to a specialist.

How to help a child with ADHD

There are a number of things you can try at home to support your child:

Simple instructions

Avoid overloading your child by making instructions simple for them. For example, when getting ready for school in the morning, ask them to 'get dressed and then pack your lunch'. Tackling a number of items in steps is easier to handle than a general request of 'get ready for school'.

Create routines

Routines are beneficial for all children, particularly those with ADHD. You may want to write (or ask your child to draw) a timetable to stick up on the fridge, covering what happens before and after school. Older children might prefer checklists. Encourage them to organise themselves as much as possible, but routines are helpful to keep them on track.

Avoid overstimulation

Children can become overstimulated by too much going on, so try to create times and space for quiet amongst the fun. 

Be understanding of your child

There can be trying times for all parents, but aim to remember their ADHD diagnosis and try not to blame them for their traits/ symptoms.

Prioritise sleep and meals

As mentioned above, routines are helpful for children with ADHD. Try to keep bedtimes at roughly the same time, and meal times regular. 

Schedule plenty of time for physical activity

Your child is likely to need physical activity every day, so make regular time for trips to the park, walks in the woods, or whatever else you and your child enjoy. 

Point out their strengths and praise them 

Encourage your child to celebrate who they are as a person and what they are good at- that might be being kind, being a good friend, or being creative. Look out for the little things they do daily and praise them- be sure to celebrate effort and not just successes.

Care for their mental health

Children with ADHD can be more vulnerable to mental health problems. Encourage them to share life's challenges with you and find ways for them to unwind and relax. You can check out our mental health resources here including instructions on how to make a self-soothe box. 

Handling ADHD meltdowns

Those with ADHD can be prone to meltdowns- explosive episodes that can resemble a tantrum. These can happen due to difficulty in regulating their emotions. If your child is acting out, stressed or overwhelmed, ask them to sit quietly and take some deep breaths to calm down- try our box breathing exercise video. You can stay with them if they would like you to while they calm down.